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11/13/11

How I Clean and Dry Makeup Brushes

Cleaning my makeup brushes used to be (well, and still is) one of my least favorite things to do.

For several reasons...

First of all, it just takes too long. Between cleaning them and waiting for them to dry, it's a process. If I leave them on the counter to dry overnight, they're usually still damp the next morning. Ever tried to use a damp makeup brush in blush or face powder? Not cute.

Another reason is that no matter how careful and gentle you are while cleaning them, or how carefully you lay them out to dry and reshape them, they'll always look a bit different. Especially natural hair brushes. Makes sense since they're, well, natural hair. Imagine letting your hair naturally dry overnight. Hey, sometimes it can be cute, but it sure doesn't look the same as it did before you washed it (that is, if you had it straightened before washing it, as makeup bristles are always straight).

Then there is just the actual task of cleaning them. Unless someone invents an automatic brush cleaner (which I don't forsee happening), this will always be a chore to me.

Ok, we get it. Cleaning brushes is no fun.

Considering I've found some ways around these little problems above, I figured it was time to update you guys with how I currently clean and dry them. Especially since I've found a way to dry them even faster. Over the past several months, I've been using a new product that actually dries them in 4-6 hours. No joke. It also keeps the brushes in their original shape which is exciting. Another exciting extra- If you click here for the Dry n' Shape and enter the coupon code TIFFANY5 at checkout, you'll save $5 on it. Which makes it even more affordable. That is pretty exciting as well.

Some of you may not find this all as exciting as I do. But I really dislike cleaning brushes. Did I mention that already? ...or that I think this is exciting? ;)

Here's a video demonstration of how I clean my brushes. Yep, I take you guys to my sink. Now that is exciting.

First off, I am pretty much obsessed with your videos and my husband totally knows when I'm watching a video. "Is that the Tiffany makeup lady?". (embarrassing)

Second off, I just wrote a post about cleaning makeup brushes too! I'd love for you to check out my blog! I blog about everything, but mostly home stuff and DIY projects. http://www.thethreelittlebirdies.com/2011/11/tutorial-how-to-clean-makeup-brushes.html

@Emily Brooks It's probably isopropyl alcohol to sanitize the brushes and clean them. Or it's a brush cleaner like the type I used (which contains alcohol too)-- I used the MAC brush cleanser. I've put it in a spray bottle before as well and it actually works better than how I showed in the video (just pouring the product out). Mainly because you can just mist the brush and use less product.

RANDOM EYELINER SN:I remember a previous video when Tiffany said that she could not find the L'Oreal Lineur Intense with the felt tip applicator in stores anymore, neither could I! But L'Oreal does have one that I think might be an exact dupe! Its called Loreal Telescopic Precision Liquid Eyeliner. So maybe its not gone, just repackaged and re-categorized at our inconvenience.

Thanks for your videos. I've been learning so much about make up with you. I used to be super cautious cleaning my brushes so I was terrified when I saw you putting them under the water! But I'm glad I did, I'm doing the same thing right now and it takes me less then half of the time to do that job right now! And, you didn't mencioned it, but I always turn the Dry N Shape upside down while I wait them to dry, I don't know, I like to think that, in that way, water won't settle in the metalic part.Love your videos. A big thanks from Portugal :)

Hi Tiffany,I live in Toronto, Canada. I wonder if there is any way to avoid the shipping fee? I really want to try this one out but the shipping fee is like $30 ... or if you know any substitute product available in the market?Thank youMonica

Thanks for all the advice? How often should this be done? Every time my face starts to break out really bad I assume it's from my makeup brushes and then I clean them. I just got a new set of really nice brushes but I'm nervous they aren't going to be as soft after I wash them.